Stay safe this summer

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​Date: 02/08/2016Ref: PR 8308

With the summer holidays in full swing, Wakefield Council is warning young people to stay safe and stay away from potential dangers.

Cllr Maureen Cummings, Cabinet Member for Environment and Communities, said: "Trespassing on railways is known to increase during the summer so we are reminding people to be responsible around our busy railways. Young people are often looking for a place to hang during the holidays, but areas around railway lines are particularly dangerous. So stay safe and stay clear of the tracks. There are many other places to meet up such as our many parks and open spaces."

The Council is also reminding residents of the dangers of cooling off or playing in ponds, lakes and flooded quarries. They often have hidden dangers underneath, such as discarded waste which can entrap people, slippery rocks and changes in water depth. Shallows can also be dangerously cold when they get deeper.

Although swimming isn't permitted, there are water sports such as canoeing, sailing and windsurfing available at Pugneys Country Park.

Cllr Cummings added: "During the hot weather some people may be tempted into the water for what appears to be a cooling dip, but swimmers have no idea of what is under the surface. Tangles of weeds and rubbish could ensnare a swimmer and put them in danger of drowning or severe injury. The water can also become dangerously cold when it gets deeper."

The Council is also asking people to be aware of another summer time hazard - the potential for damaging fires being caused by countryside barbecues.

People are asked only to use purpose-manufactured barbecues, always to keep a bucket of water handy and to be particularly careful of where they site a barbecue.

In case of emergency call 999 immediately.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents has more information and advice on staying safe this summer at
www.rospa.com ​